Clean Energy Summit provides vital information

Since the dawn of time, the core of human existence has been fueled by fire. Human beings have always loved gathering around the hearth, whether a small fire in a cave 50,000 years ago or the latest induction stove in the kitchen.

We started by burning wood, but more recently added coal, oil and natural gas to the mix. In one mistaken turn down a dead-end road, we even invented the most expensive and dangerous Rube Goldberg-esque machines in the world. All they do is boil water, but it will take us a while before we are ever free of the nuclear energy quagmire.

Regardless of its twists and turns, our energy path has been both prolific and profligate, leading to this current and very unique point in the evolution of our species and our planet. We have chopped, mined, drilled and refined our way to an unlikely amalgamation of incredible energy abundance and equally incredible energy waste.

In other words, we have created the most potent social, environmental and economic opportunities ever known to man (and woman) kind.

If the last century of energy gluttony has provided anything, it is that there is plenty of room for improvement with growing signals (more like gigantic natural billboards with brightly flashing lights) that change is more necessary than ever. Rising energy prices combine with ever-mounting costs of fighting record-breaking firestorms, heat waves and other severe climate-related events. It is clear there are two things we cannot afford: failure to act and business as usual.

That is why the National Clean Energy Summit is such an important event. It is all about action, involving clean energy visionaries and leaders, public officials, business executives and entrepreneurs, investors, students and the media. The event will be hosted by Center for American Progress, Clean Energy Project, MGM Resorts International, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. You can find out more at www.cleanenergy
projectnv.org.

This year the National Clean Energy Summit 5.0: The Power of Choice will focus on empowering individuals, governments and businesses with the ability to choose clean energy. It will take place at the Bellagio Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Michael Donley will join business leaders Fred Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx; Tom Husted, CEO of Valley Electric Association Inc.; Elon Musk, president and CEO of Tesla; and other influencial people to lead the nation's foremost conversation about clean energy options. President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote address.

The knockout combination of energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy is poised to transform almost every aspect of our society. The choices have never been more varied, affordable or vitally important. Summit speakers will discuss how the freedom to make clean-energy choices can save families and businesses money, grow the economy, create jobs and safeguard public health. Insight from these experts will provide the tools to empower every citizen .

I know from personal experience that investing in efficiency and clean, renewable energy not only works, it is just about the safest, most dependable investment around and can provide substantial returns, too. Don't take my word for it though. Attend the National Clean Energy Summit. Bring an open mind and fill it with a vision of the future that is better, cleaner, healthier and more affordable than ever before.

If you want to get the most out of the event, or if you cannot attend but still want to learn more, I strongly recommend reading the new book by Amory Lovins and Rocky Mountain Institute, "Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era." This is a book for every home, business and government . Let's get to work reinventing fire. Once again.

Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, a company committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. For more information and links to additional resources relating to this column, or to reach Steve, please visit www.greendream.biz.